Audrey was born to Thelma (Morris) Thomas and Basil Thomas on August 26th, 1947 in Traverse City, Michigan. The family lived in southwest Michigan, settling in Portage where Audrey graduated from Portage Central High School in 1965.
Audrey married E.J Hart on October 28th, 1966. She graduated from Wright Beauty Academy that same year and worked as a professional hairdresser before switching careers to medical and dental offices. Audrey went on to earn certifications in office administration and enjoyed a long career at Western Michigan University in the Office of Conferences and Institutes. Audrey and EJ lived in Chicago, Illinois, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Madison, Wisconsin before moving to Plainwell, Michigan in 1981 where they own and operate Hart’s Jewelry.
Volunteerism was an important aspect of Audrey’s life. She volunteered with the Red Cross, Fort Custer, and was active in Parent Teacher Organizations at her daughters’ schools. Audrey and EJ were involved in local soccer for many years. In more recent years, Audrey served as a president of Sylvia’s Place and was on the fundraising committee for the O’Leary Foundation.
Audrey was an avid quilter and member of the American Quilting Association. She enjoyed sharing her skill and passion for quilting and provided quilts for many local charitable organizations. She may perhaps be best remembered for her chocolate chip cookies, which were without comparison.
Audrey passed away Monday, February 21, 2022 in Grand Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Thelma.
She is survived by her husband EJ, siblings Russ Thomas and Patricia (Michael) Thomas-Freese, daughters Erin (Chris) Bolda and Nikki (Matt) Hart-Brinkley, and grandsons Damien Hutton, Ethan Bolda, Jeremy Bolda, and Elliot Brinkley.
Audrey will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.
Friends may visit with Audrey’s family from 5-7 PM, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.
Contributions in memory of Audrey may be made to Sylvia’s Place.
Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.
Rose Sharrard
Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and the family
Sherry Schumaker
So sorry to hear about the passing of Audrey, she was a wonderful person and will be missed by all.
The staff at B & C Trophy sends their condolences and prayers for healing and strength for her family.
Terry VanLent
E.J. I am so sorry for your loss, she was a lovely person. Please know I will keep.you and your family in my prayers❤️
Colleen Gregersen
So very sorry.
Denise Nicholas
EJ and family, so sorry for the loss of your loved one. She was always super nice lady. I always enjoyed chatting with her. My mother always spoke highly of her back in the days when she owned The FashionTre’.
Denise Sweet-Nicholas
Kaye Strewart
Nicole Knowlton
I’m so sorry to read this s I ved her like a second mom always good to me ,she will be missed love u guys ❤️❤️❤️
Lori & Keith Marshall
We are so sorry for your loss, EJ. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joy and Joe
EJ. I am so sorry for your loss. Keep the faith.
Denise & Lewis Siegel
EJ and family I am so sorry for your lose. Audrey was a such a lovely person and she will be remembered fondly. Lewis and I are keeping you all in our prayers and thoughts as you remember and celebrate her life.
Christina Champion Siwik
So very sorry to hear about Audrey’s passing. We were in school together from elementary until our graduation from PHS in 1965. Sending hugs and prayers to the family.
Christina Champion Siwik
I am so very sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. We went to school together from elementary to our graduation from PHS in 1065. Sending prayers and hugs to the family.
George Brown Jr
My condolences to the entire Hart family. I only have happy memories of Mrs. Hart. May she rest in peace.
Dawn and Morry Edwards
Dear EJ and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dawn and Morry Edwards
Lynn & Georgia Washburn
Ej I am so very sorry for your loss Audrey she will be miss she was a very nice Lady
She Cornell
So sorry to hear that Audrey has passed away she was a very special Person .
Erik
EJ and family, so sorry to hear this news.
Cindy
Erin, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. She sounds like a real strong advocate and contributor to our society. Please.accept my prayers for peace for all of you.
Cindy Radcliffe
Lori smith
So sorry for all of the family. She showed me kindness and selflessness. Prayers
Becky
Many thoughts and prayers to her family and friends. Very sorry for your loss.
Deb
So sorry to hear of this loss. I’ll miss bringing pecans from Alabama. Prayers and comfort during this difficult time.
Jim and Dee Niemi
EJ our heart hurts for you. It is sad to hear of Audrey’s passing. Stay strong and know that we care for you. My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
Doris Dorgan
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam Loudenslager
EJ and family, Dave and I are so very sorry for your great loss. Her beautiful smile and wonderful pleasantness will be missed by all. May God bless you all at this very sad time. Big hugs, Dave and Pam Loudenslager
Heather Forrest
A truly amazing woman…a wonderful mentor. A caring soul with a genuine heart of gold. My deepest condolences, she will be missed deeply! ❤️
Lori Steele
Ej and family so sorry to hear this news today. Audrey will be missed by all who knew her. Prays for you all.
Lori and Terry Steele
Tom &Paula Holmes
EJ, so sorry to hear about Audrey. She was a beautiful person and a model for our communities. Prayers for you and your family
Charlie & Chris Moureau
Sending so many prayers for peace and comfort to EJ and the whole family. She was a true treasure. I always viewed her as super sweet with a dash of fun salt and a great sense of humor! She is surely going to be missed.
Mary Beth Ramm
Dear EJ and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. She was a great neighbor and a wonderful lady, she will be greatly missed.
Lisa Rasnake
So sorry for your loss she was a beautiful lady .
Sue & Dick
Rest In Peace, dear sweet friend. Such wonderful memories.
Sending much love.
Lynne Stowell
EJ and family,
So sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. Hold on tight to one another and keep the good memories close to your heart. Thinking of you.
Vickilee (Danhoff) Miller
EJ, Erin, Nikki, and families,
So sorry for your loss. Audrey was such a nice lady! Cherish your wonderful memories! Praying for your comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Chris Stegink
I am so sorry for your loss. Audrey was a wonderful person. Sylvia’s Place would not have been the same without her.
Dennis and Anne (Morrell) Kirby
May she rest in eternal peace. She was a delightful person and blessed friend to so many. Our condolences.
Bob and Linda Mollitor
E. J. and family Bob and I are sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort and peace.
Deb OLeary
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Take comfort in knowing that you are surrounded by so many people who love you.
Kevin & Deb O’Leary
Erica Miller
Condolences from our family to yours
-The Cole Family
David Hubbard
Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you E.J. David and Louise Hubbard
The Niceswanders
Sorry for your Loss Mr. EJ and Family
Cheryl Parente-Roggow
EJ we are thinking of you during your time of loss and highlighting her work with the community. John and Cheryl Roggow.
Eric & Patti Rohloff
EJ, we are so sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. We pray the sweet memories of her fill your heart and mind as your mourn.
Mrs. Jim Hewitt. (Patti Khodl)
Dear E.J. & family,
Just came across Audrey’s obit. Sorry to learn of your loss. I have seen examples of Audrey’s quilting and it was impeccable! Be kind and gentle with yourself as you navigate this path of grief, it is a rocky road. Sincerely,
Laura DuPrie
Sorry for your loss may memories of her bring you joy and comfort
Herb Ayres
E.J.,
I am so sorry to read of Audrey’s death. Know that her wonderful memories will in the future bring smiles instead of tears.
Sincerely,
Herb
Mary Ayres
E.J.,
Thinking of you and the family. Grateful for wonderful role models like you in my childhood.
Hugs,
Mary
Joanne Coy
I consider myself one of the lucky ones who got to know Audrey in the role of serving others. She was one of our mentors at the middle school and made such a difference in young people’s lives. I think the world of her and all of her wonderful family, and continue to be blessed to be a friend of her daughter, Erin. God Bless you in your time of loss, Audrey will be missed.
Liz Jones
So sorry to hear about Audrey. May beautiful memories help you through this time and future. ~Liz & Mike Jones
Cathy Boysen
My heart is saddened by the news of Audrey’s passing. Audrey had a heart the size of Texas. Her hard work, generosity and helpfulness never ran out. She was one of the most caring individuals I have known. Her love for Sylvia’s Place was so evident in all she did throughout the years to help make Sylvia’s Place a better place for those in need. God Bless your sweet soul and now RIP my dear friend. My heart is breaking for you E. J. and family. Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Andrea Sherfield Kidney
So many memories over the past 50 plus years I’ve know her and EJ. My heart is broken for him and the family.
Sherry Handon
EJ & family, we are so sorry to hear about Audreys passing . Our sincere condolences.
Mike & Sherry Hanson
Shirley Shoemaker
My heart goes out to EJ and family for the loss of Audrey. I didn’t know Audrey that well but she sure sounds like she was an amazing woman with so many accomplishments. Many prayers of comfort for all of you.
Rod Janes
My condolences to E. J. And family. I’m sorry for your loss.
Rod Janes
Tom & Connie Haan
Audrey was such a special person, her last name was perfect… Hart..because she had one of the biggest hearts of anyone we know. She was so proud of her family EJ and his commitment to community and the store of course and her daughters, her grandson’s and her sons in laws. All the performances and talents of Ethan and Jeremy and the Elliot stories. She will be missed so much but she left a mark that made everyone who knew her a better person from her example of that caring heart.
Sue Sanders
We got to know the whole Hart family many years ago through AYSO soccer – a wonderful bunch of people. Many great memories of Audrey, and her whole-hearted support of not only soccer, but anything she was involved in. We were privileged to know this lovely lady. Our sincere condolences to all.
Suzi Futymoski Walker
EJ, I am so sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. I was thinking about her the other day and wondering how she was. I remember many good times in high school. You and your family are all in my prayers. Suzi Futymoski Walker.
Sandra Lamorandier
EJ we are so so very sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing, you and the total Hart family our in our thoughts and prayers.
The Lamorandiers
Chris Stegink
So thankful to have crossed paths with Audrey through Sylvia’s Place. She was an amazing person. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Denise Pierce
We are so sorry to hear this. Our prayers for love, support, peace and comfort to EJ and the entire family..now and always.
Pam Roush
Ej and Family please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. She has had to struggle for a long time. She would always make us smile when we came into the shop. Keep her in your heart and know you have friends that would do anything for all of you. Hugs from the Roush family
Sue
EJ and family so sorry for your loss
Sheila
EJ, Erin & Nikki and families. Audrey was a fun lady to be around. I remember her fondly at all the soccer games and cheering us on. She probably didn’t realize all the “girls” she had as extra daughters over the years. I know she will be missed by all of you and the community. I am thankful that she was part of my story growing up. Hugs and prayers for all of you.
Judy Gates Hayes
Keep her memories close to your heart and she will be with you always. Prayers for you Mr. Hart and family..
Hayes family
Donna Gorton
E.J. so sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. What a wonder person and a friend to me.
Love to you all and may God be with you in the coming days.
Sally Pritko
EJ I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
Joe and Mary Licavoli
EJ, Erin, and Nikki, Joe and I offer our sincere condolences for your tragic loss. I have such fond memories over the years of us all getting together. There were many stories and fun times. I loved to hear her laugh. She was always so nice, caring and fun. I am so sorry she suffered so muc h in the end. May God grant you peace and comfort in your wonderful memories of past times.
Pat & Mary Handley
Dear EJ & family…We are so sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. We have such good memories of you both in our years in soccer. Our prayers are in your grief you find joy in all your great memories.
CINDI COOPER
EJ please know that I am thinking of you and your family, and will share with my kids. Audrey was a wonderful wife, mother and person. Our Prayers are with you.
Carolyn Jordan
How my heart aches for you. We know Audrey is in a far better place, but it still hurts in our hearts to not have her here with us. She was a loving person, not only to her family, but also for those who needed someone of uplifting strength & guiding. Audrey was a beautiful child of God inside & outside. May our loving God grant you all His Grace, His Mercy & His peace as you move through these days until we all meet again in Heaven once again. When Audrey was born, I am sure that God looked down & smiled at His wonderful human creation. Thanks be to God for Audrey’s life & presence in our lives.
Leslie Ayres
So sorry for your loss.
Mike & Chris VanDenBerg
So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the whole family
Diane Boysen
E.J. and families, I am so sorry to hear of Audrey’s passing. We are sending up prayers and lifting you all up in prayer.
Pat (Bradley) Moretti
So sorry to hear about the passing of Audrey – thoughts and prayers are with your whole family.
Lauren Witsaman
Condolences on your loss. The Hart name is such a mainstay in Plainwell, and her presence will be missed.